2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet

Brian Lamb is the owner of NFL Draft Lounge and has covered the NFL Draft since 2011. Brian is also the owner of the Infinity Sports Network, which NFL Draft Lounge belongs to.

Cole Kmet

Height: 6’5

Weight: 250 lbs

2019 John Mackey Award Preseason Watchlist

Six touchdowns in ten games in 2019 season

2019 breakout game versus Georgia with 9 receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown.

Three-year player for the University of Notre Dame. Consensus four-star recruiting prospect out of high school. Missed two games in 2019 due to shoulder injury. Two sports athlete as he is a relief pitcher for Notre Dame. In this scouting report, we’ll breakdown his mechanics and evaluate his future as an NFL tight end.

What I Like:

Second-Level Blocking

Cole Kmet does a good job of getting through the mud here to deliver a solid block at the second level. Kmet steers the defender to open up a wide lane for the running back. This play is a prime example of just how versatile Cole Kmet can be in the NFL.

What I Dislike:

In-line Blocking Ability

Cole Kmet struggles with the inside move on this play. While breaking down his game film, I’ve noticed inconsistencies in Kmet’s abilities as an in-line blocker. If Cole Kmet could do a better job of absorbing the initial hit by the defender, he could have stood a fighting chance here. Instead, he’s rocked off the line and that leads to the running back being stopped early.

Where I’ve Seen Improvement:

Receiving Ability

Cole Kmet does a great job of fighting through pressure through the stem and getting upfield quickly. Once he recognizes that there’s a gap in coverage, Kmet does a solid job of turning towards the ballad adjusting his body to make the catch. Cole Kmet’s ability to absorb the hit after the catch and hang onto the ball is fantastic.

Overall Breakdown

Has solid height and weight for the tight end position. Has solid acceleration and quickness off the line of scrimmage. Displays solid balance to remain upright through contact. Has a good ability to read the field and look for the ball as coverage opens downfield. Shows to have a good competitive edge and is tough to bring down as he fights for additional yards. Displays good acceleration off the line of scrimmage and a solid ability to fight through pressure throughout the route’s stem. Has good footwork at the top of route to create space from the defender to give the QB a wide window to throw. Displays a solid combination of hands and feet to create separation at the top of route. Shows to have a good natural catching ability. Has a very good catching radius to catch balls that are away from his body. Has a solid ability to establish and maintain leverage on blocks downfield.

Displays a marginal ability to get to and execute pull blocks at the line of scrimmage. Has an adequate ability to establish leverage against defenders at the line of scrimmage. Displays an adequate ability to handle inside moves as an in-line blocker on the line of scrimmage.

2020 NFL Draft Projection

Late-First to Mid-Second Round

Cole Kmet declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after initially announcing that he would return for his senior season. Kmet has a solid blocking ability, but excels as a downfield receiver. I have Cole Kmet as a fringe first round draft pick, but I don’t envision a scenario where Kmet is still on the board as we get to the middle of the second round. Look for a team like the New England Patriots to take a hard look at Cole Kmet as the NFL Draft process unfolds.